If the NBA had allowed him to turn pro out of high school and skip college altogether, Kevin Durant probably would have. But is there any doubt that he'll make many millions of dollars more in his professional career because of the year he spent at Texas?The latest evidence: Durant has signed his first endorsement contract, with Upper Deck. A big part of the contract is that Durant's autograph will be part of a new line of autographed Upper Deck Authenticated items. Darren Rovell reports:
Because Durant only played for one year at Texas and his star rose so quickly the supply of autographs in the market is very limited, yet the demand seems to be great.
If Durant had entered the NBA draft last year, he wouldn't be anything close the household name he is today, and his autograph wouldn't be worth anywhere near as much money. Ditto for his shoe deal: Whether he chooses Nike or Adidas, he'll get a lot more now than he would have a year ago because he's a lot more famous now than he was a year ago. David Stern's minimum age rule is probably hurting some 18-year-old basketball players and sending some to college when that's not where they belong, but in Durant's case, it turned out to be very rewarding.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-10-2007 @ 11:05AM
Joe said...
Durant will need to adjust to the constant pressure that a pro team can throw at him, but when he does, he will become as dominant as Michael Jordan, only a bit taller. He can light it up. And his defense is pretty good. With time, he could wind up in the 'top fifty players.' He's that good. He knows how to finish and that's what makes a really great player. The Rockets are my team, and I just might trade McGrady for the opportunity to draft this guy. Sure it might take a year for his adjustments. But look out after that.
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5-10-2007 @ 12:36PM
j.white said...
Come on Joe, let's not make any more ridiculous comparisons to Jordan. Don't you know that's blasphemy?!
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5-10-2007 @ 1:52PM
dratcliff said...
Durant will be good, but I don't see him being a leader who can win a championship by himself. I see him being a KG, good enough to get advertisement but not good enough to win a championship unless he gets a Shaq or Jordan on his team.
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5-10-2007 @ 2:38PM
ur an idiot said...
You would trade mcgrady for this KID??? He last for 3 years, wont hear anything else more about him. Oden will be more productive than this kid. AND STOP COMPARING ALL OF THESE PEOPLE TO MJ. No one will ever be as good as him. All i hear every year is some kid that will be "the next jordan." Give me a break.
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5-10-2007 @ 2:38PM
Kurt said...
Jordan wasn't good enough to win a title without Pippen, Paxson and Co. I don't think Durant will be either. Durant will be a great player and many teams should consider trading up to try and get him.
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5-10-2007 @ 5:04PM
curry j.r. said...
durant is going to be alot better than lebron and sammy sosa's daddy (greg oden). he's the real deal. i see him on the lines of a darker dirk nowitski.
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5-10-2007 @ 5:13PM
curry j.r. said...
durant is going to be better than lebron and sammy sosa's daddy (greg oden). but hey lets not be stupid and say mike nowhere in this conversation. but durants the real deal. i see him on the lines of a darker dirk nowitski.
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